Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
I was intrigued when I heard about the 75 mile Ruck. Testing mental and physical toughness, teamwork, and raising funds and awareness for a good cause.. all of those things attracted me to the ruck.
Being a philanthropist throughout my life, and wanting to help others by spreading kindness, positivity, and empowerment… but also wanting to prove to myself that I am mentally and physically tough no matter what I’ve been through or who doubts me. .. these are some of the reasons why I participated in the ruck.
But what I didn’t expect, was the fire that it lit back up inside of me that that has been smoldering for way too long. Arriving to the Alamo with an amazing group of like-minded humans in 36 hours/75 Miles.. it changes you..I cried upon arrival because the feelings of accomplishment, empowerment and gratitude were so overwhelming.. These types of events will do more for people, then words could properly express. You build, lifetime relationships, you overcome adversity, you prove to yourself that you are tough, you push yourself in ways you didn’t think possible. All of this is with the support of your Project Grit team around you, building you up and celebrating with you.
I look forward to continuing participating in these events with Project Grit and I feel there is an importance to spread awareness and get people involved.. we need to support one another and Project Grit is doing more than that.
-Megan Singer
-Finisher 2023 First Female Immortal 32 Ruck
Taking on Project Grit's Immortal 32, a 75-mile ruck from Gonzales, Texas, ending at the Alamo, tested my endurance like never before. The weight of the ruck reminded me of the miles ahead. Despite the challenges, I covered a solid 55 miles. This journey was more than a solo effort; it created a strong bond with fellow participants. The camaraderie, combined with Project Grit's support, turned every mile into a shared triumph. Starting in Gonzales and finishing at the Alamo, the Immortal 32 left a lasting mark on my self-discovery journey, emphasizing that resilience isn't just about reaching the destination but embracing the challenges, building lasting connections along the way.
-James Lea
-55 Miles 2023 Immortal 32 Ruck
75 miles of pure grit. No frills, just a badass challenge among the hardest and most meaningful things I’ve ever done. I still remember mile 52, essentially with a third consecutive marathon ruck still in front of me, having to choose whether I had what it took to finish … and making that choice. Shoutout to the team for orchestrating a true test of strength and resilience that helped me get to the end of myself, and see what I was made of. Terrence is the method to the madness and lives every word of it. I’m proud to have kept the spirit alive of the Immortal 32 Texans who answered the call to join the Alamo as reinforcements. Project Grit is the real deal for those looking to emerge as better leaders and better Americans.
- Graham W.
-CEO/Founder American Ruck
- Finisher 2022 Immortal 32 Ruck
I have entered and completed Both the Immortal 32 (75 mile road march from Gonzales to the Alamo) and the 8 peak challenge (8 of the highest peaks in TX consecutively)
Both events take Mental toughness, fortitude, and a whole lot of grit. You can find out a lot about yourself through doing hard things.
If you've ever heard that little voice in the back of your head saying,
"just quit (insert adjective here) no one will blame you", " you gave it your best shot"
It's mile 52 of the immortal 32, foot is swollen and aching, hip is throbbing, stomach is in knots, head is pounding..you picked up a cane from a gas station which doesn't seem to be helping much.
what are you going to do?
It's been 22 hrs since you've started this journey of The 8 peak challenge- climbing over 10,000' in elevation, through trails and bushwacking up mountain ranges through rocks and brush, it feels like you've pulled a muscle in your leg and it hurts to put weight on it, you've literally walked the treads off your boots, you are utterly exhausted, it's hard to imagine walking another 30 yards and you still have 10 miles of unfamiliar terrain to go.. what are you going to do?
It's at these points where you can get to a place where you kill and bury that little voice. You dig deep and you finish or die finding out what you're really made of in the process.
-Josh Vassallo
-Finisher 2022 Immortal 32 Ruck
-Finisher 2023 Top of Texas 8 Peak Challenge
Embarking on the Top of Texas 8 Peak Challenge, became a true test that intensified with each passing mile. As I navigated through the 24-hour, 26-mile ruck, every step seemed to compound the physical and mental challenges, pushing my limits further. Climbing the 8 mountain peaks, the rugged terrain and elevation amplified the strain, making each mile feel like an uphill battle. Moving through the night added a layer of difficulty, testing not just my endurance but my determination. Looking back, I appreciate Project Grit immensely for hosting such an event, providing an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. The "Top of Texas 8 Peak Challenge" wasn't just about conquering peaks; it was a testament to the strength found within, emphasizing that pushing personal limits is where genuine resilience and growth unfold.
-James Lea
-Finisher 2023 Top of Texas 8 Peak Challenge
Last year (2/28/2023) I joined the Immortal 32 group with the intention of Rucking from Gonzales to the Alamo. I started out just fine at 2:00am in the morning only to have to ‘Tap Out’ due to inconsistent glucose levels. This coupled with a negative report from my Cardiologist only 2 weeks prior indicating that I was at risk for another event. Reluctantly, I tapped out and withdrew from the ruck and joined the support team. ONLY TO FIND out that my cardiologist admitted that the MRI report was erroneous and that my numbers were incorrect. Yes…I was very disappointed at first (but grateful), however, I was PISSED! I had to wait another year to do the Immortal 32, but in hindsight, I also had a year to prepare mentally and physically. For a year, I had to carry around the regret of tapping out when I really didn’t have to.
Needless to say, I fired that Cardiologist, re-tested with a specialist, and come to find out my heart was in good condition to take on this challenge the first time. He went on to say that I should be good for next year.
Once I learned it was time to register for this event, I registered that day.
The day came for the team to gather for the Ruck. Seeing all of these ‘young’ men fully decked with their gear was a little intimidating as everyone had one thing in common that I didn’t. That was ‘youth’. With the exception of Keith, I was only the oldest person there;
Even though I had by-pass surgery in 2017 and was type-2, this was NOT going to stop me because I was feeling good and very determined not to be denied.
March 1, 2024 2:00am
Once we started the series of rucks’ from Gonzales, I knew I had to get past Belmont Texas (our 2nd stop) to surpass my previous attempt of completing the Ruck to The Alamo. Coupled with this year’s preparation and a strong desire to improve my health, I CRUSHED my return walk to Belmont. My feet were beginning to ache, it was getting cold, but none of that mattered. I crushed it and I was mentally prepared for MORE! MUCH MORE!
Next Stop: the Kimball House to which we took a break and rested our feet as we learned more about the ‘Commander of the Immortal 32’ – George Kimball. Terrence and John Kimball (a descendent of George) shared their knowledge of what took place as the Immortal 32 continued on to the Alamo.
Next Stop: Seguin, Tx Whataburger – I was miserable and physically exhausted from climbing hills and cutting across the open fields. I didn’t feel hungry, but forced myself to eat a grilled chicken sandwich, to which I immediately felt better. Come to find out my body was starving, but I had no appetite. After a bit of rest, I was ready for the next ruck.
Shout out to one of the toughest guys there, Michael Vasquez who had a nasty blood blister on one of his big toes. It had to be lanced and bandaged up. But, did that stop him? No. It only made his resolve stronger.
Next Stop: Valero where Hwy 90 and I10 meet. – This was an 8 mile stretch with plenty of hills on the service road all the while it is dark. Another mental goal achieved, but my back was tightening up, my feet hurt and I was soaking wet while the temperature was dropping into the 40’s. I wasn’t quitting, however, I was starting to hear that ‘Voice’ that says the easy way would be to ‘tap’. THEN, Terrence got everyone together and explained how the next ruck is considered to be the ‘Soul-Crushing Ruck’ and that if we can get past the next ruck, then everyone has the best chance to finish. Challenge accepted!! No more feeling sorry for myself, Let’s GO.
It was definitely a grind, but there was no way I was going to quit and not finish this soul-crushing ruck.
Next Stop: Valero #2. I was the 5th person to arrive and very felt tired, but strong, until I stopped to rest. Then, EVERYTHING went downhill. I got my feet up, no problem, my feet were resetting. I got cold again laying in soaking wet clothes on the concrete outside the store. All the while temps were in the low 40’s. As you can imagine, that VOICE was screaming at me as I’m shivering uncontrollably. I was so frustrated as I couldn’t find any comfort. ONLY THEN, did I become scared that I’m about to ‘tap out’, so I reached find some encouragement from my wife (via text @ 2:00am) and sharing with her just how bad I was feeling. (Wet, so cold, feet hurt, etc.) She continued to encourage me and that I’m well over half-way. That I can DO IT!! Just get to the next stop. (Whataburger San Antonio) I then went to Facebook, and saw EVERYONE sending me encouraging messages saying ‘I could do this’ and ‘Don’t stop’. It was at that time, I went in the store to find anything to wear that is dry and get out of my wet clothes. Well…I did find a long sleeve shirt that was 2 sizes too small that said ‘Dirty Hooker’. (like it was made just for me) The store owner saw I was very cold and gave me free ‘Hot Coffee’ and a chair to sit in. After about 5 minutes, I was much better.
I had determined that it was my time to talk BACK to the Voice in my head. ‘SHUT THE HELL UP!! If I tap out now, I will have to come back next year to do it all again until I complete this ruck!’ That stopped the Voice right then. Terrence said, ‘Ruck UP’ and off we go to the next Whataburger.
Next Stop: Whataburger (SA). Finally we get to the Whataburger, knowing in advance that we will get a small bite to eat, coffee and some sleep before we start our march further into San Antonio. That hour went by so fast. We are all miserable, but no longer ‘Cold’. Yes are feet are sore and tired legs, but something about knowing that the sun is about to come up, gave us a big ‘spark’ to get going again. Before you know it, we all hear ‘RUCK UP’! from Terrence and everyone’s head popped up.
The ruck to Starbucks was more of an adventure as we got to navigate through a ‘clover-leaf’ freeway intersection. Thankfully everyone got through safely with NO close calls. Thanks to the big truck drivers that slowed or stopped their rigs (in traffic) to allow us more time to cross the road.
Next Stop: Starbucks - Sooo happy to see Starbucks because we all know that there is only 4 miles to go. We all inspected our feet and I learned that I finally got my first ‘hot’ spot on my left foot at about mile 70. Treated that and we are getting ready for the next ‘RUCK UP’ from Terrence.
The walk was pretty uneventful as we go through the neighborhoods on the east side of SA. There were a lot of friendly and curious people wanting to know more about what we were doing.
Final Approach to the Alamo – A sense of finality was becoming the long-awaited reality to this Ruck. During this walk, I was thinking of the sacrifice made by those who made the trip to fight and ultimately give their life for the Independence of Texas. For WE (as Texans) should be eternally grateful.
During the course of the Ruck, many of us questioned each other what we think would best after the Ruck is over;
Personally, I’m very grateful, but especially for;
Looking back…This event is all about ‘Determination’ and the ‘Will to Succeed’ with a ‘Don’t Quit’ attitude. AGE DOESN’T MATTER.
At the end of the ruck, It’s also about helping your teammate with words of encouragement and caring for how they feel and what they are going through on a personal level. Because I have completed this, I’m a proud member of a community of men and women that went through the same pain and the grind that many are either too scared to try or won’t do what it takes to finish.
So glad to call you brothers. (and sister)
-Ray Hawkins
-DNF 2023 Immortal 32 Ruck
-Finisher 2024 Immortal 32 Ruck
I have been searching for a way to get out of this rut I found myself stuck in the last few years. I work hard in my military career, and it’s demanding. My personal life is a blessing but requires so much of me and I felt between the two I was losing myself in the motions. I have always been an active person (sports, fitness, etc), but even those avenues weren’t making much of a dent in this built-up stress and the feeling of the walls closing in on me.
And then I got a text from my old Rugby Coach and friend, Ray, sending me an invite to join him for this 75-mile ruck from Gonzales TX to the Alamo! How can I say no? I love history, especially Texas history and this ruck honors the brave men that once lived in that era and the sacrifices they made for their families and home, to include a challenging physical feat which might be the exact thing I need! I mean sometimes you just gotta “walk it off”, and I felt like a 75-mile ruck must be a good distance to help you get over yourself.
So with little preparation due to poor planning on my part, I made my way to the start of the ruck on Friday 0200. It was challenging and for me very painful but sticking to the ruck with the help of support from fellow ruckers and our incredible founders Terrence and Kieth, I made it and so did my Coach, Ray, the whole dang 75 miles! The ruck as explained by our leaders was going to be mostly mental, and I experienced that to be true. It was physically demanding but every step was a blessing and a reminder you got more in you. This was the most painful but rewarding experience I have ever had, I needed this. Terrence, the founder of Project Grit reminded us that “Men need adventure”, he’s not wrong, if you’re reading this you might be due for some adventure.
-Mike Ente
-Finisher 2024 Immortal 32 Ruck
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.